Romance of the Douro River

Arrive at Lisbon Airport where an Travel representative will meet you. Transfer, check into your hotel and take some time to unpack in your comfortable accommodations. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Reception.

Set off to discover one of the world’s oldest and most intriguing cities. The Avenida de Liberdade, a leafy boulevard directly in the heart of Lisbon, played a significant role in the Age of Discovery. Follow the path of great explorers at the Hieronymites Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower. Tonight’s Elective Activity invites you to a Portuguese dinner accompanied by a soul-stirring fado performance.

Lisbon is yours to enjoy during an entire day at leisure. Perhaps you’ll head to Chiado, the cultural heart of the city with many theaters, cafés and bookshops. Or, join us for our Elective Activity to Sintra, a fascinating village with exquisite 19th-century European Romantic architecture. We’ll also stop for lunch, before taking a scenic drive by Cabo da Roca to the picture-perfect towns of Cascais and Estoril. Tonight, delve into modern Portugal during an engaging lecture.

On our journey north to Porto, pause to visit the enchanting, medieval village of Óbidos. Here, whitewashed houses border cobblestone paths and potted geraniums add splashes of color to the picturesque setting. Further north in Coimbra, visit the University of Coimbra — one of Europe’s oldest universities — along with St. Michael’s Chapel and a historic ceremonial hall. Upon arrival in Porto, embark your first-class river ship and enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

With a UNESCO-listed waterfront and a landmark bridge, Porto dazzles with a trove of cultural attractions. Choose between (1) an informative city tour including visits to Palacio da Bolsa, the historic Stock Exchange and the Igreja da São Francisco and (2) a panoramic ride on an iconic city tram, plus a tasting of local specialties. After, it’s time to relax on the ship or return to the city on a complimentary shuttle. Tonight, join a local expert to learn about the UNESCO Alto Douro Wine Region.

Choose from (1) a visit to Guimarães, celebrated as the birthplace of the nation, to see Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, a 14th-century church or (2) a guided walk along the Atlantic coastline and the Douro, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Porto and Ribeira Square. Settle in for lunch as the ship cruises the beautiful Douro River, perhaps one of Earth’s prettiest landscapes. On either side of the river, quintas, or wineries, small hamlets and villages dot the terraced vineyards.

Clinging above a tributary of the Douro River, the village of Vila Real has long been associated with Portugal’s royal family. Along with the town’s elaborately designed churches, its lavish, 18th-century Mateus Palace delights visitors with opulent halls, quiet reflecting pools and manicured gardens modeled after Versailles.

Just a stone’s throw from the Spanish border, Barca d’Alva is embraced by terraces of vines and olive fields. Set off to explore the countryside and dip into Spain by choosing from (1) a walking tour of Salamanca where you’ll explore a famous 13th-century university or  (2) a gentle bicycle tour through Salamanca and along the Río Tormes. Cap off your day with lunch and free time before returning to the ship for dinner.

Drive through the Alto Douro wine region, pausing at the inspiring viewpoint of São Salvador do Mundo. Look beyond to a portrait of beauty where undulating hills are covered with vivid patches of grapes, olives and almond trees. Gain insight into the port industry at a quinta, a local winery, and enjoy a tasting of the popular drink. Tonight, you’ll be entertained by a performance that showcases Portuguese culture through traditional songs and colorful regional costumes.

Lamego shines with its baroque architecture. One of the many reasons to visit this venerated city is to see the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, an elaborate 18th-century church with a theatrical staircase. Each landing of the staircase is enhanced with fountains, obelisks and azulejos, the famous blue-and-white Portuguese tiles. Spend your final afternoon sailing the Douro Valley as the ship nears Porto.